Dear UMBC Community,
We write today to share key information and reminders as the semester winds down. Thank you for your questions and feedback throughout the academic year as we worked to keep you informed about U.S. government orders and policy actions.
END OF ACADEMIC YEAR AND SUMMER TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS
We recognize that many members of our community may have travel plans that include travel outside of the United States. We understand that travel is a personal decision, and we are writing today to equip you with information to help guide your planning.
General Guidance
Before traveling abroad, make certain that your passport and any required visas or other authorizations are valid for the destination(s) you intend to visit as well as for reentry into the United States. For more information on entry and exit requirements, please consult the Embassy or Consulate of the country to which you intend to travel or transit through.
U.S. Visas
Anyone applying for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy should be prepared for the possibility of enhanced screening and/or processing delays.
If you are planning to travel abroad and will require a new visa in order to reenter the United States, it is strongly recommended that you secure your visa appointment in advance to ensure there is time for processing before you intend to return to the United States. In addition to expanded screening and vetting of online presence, visa applicants should also be aware that the Washington Post recently reported that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed consular officers to ask all nonimmigrant visa applicants two new questions:
-
“Have you experienced harm or mistreatment in your country of nationality or last habitual residence?” and
-
“Do you fear harm or mistreatment in returning to your country of nationality or permanent residence?”
If you have any questions about whether you need a new visa to reenter the United States, please contact the Center for Global Engagement at 410-455-2831.
Travel Bans
President Trump’s proclamations 10949 and 10988, which established nationality-based full and partial travel bans, are still in effect. These proclamations include entry restrictions for certain immigrants and nonimmigrants from 39 countries and individuals traveling with Palestinian Authority-issued documents.
We strongly encourage you not to travel internationally if you are impacted by one of these bans as doing so could result in an inability to return to the United States while the bans are in effect. The list of countries subject to either the full or partial travel ban can be found here.
Duration of Status
The U.S. government is planning to change how long international students and exchange visitors can stay in the country. The proposed rule will affect F-1 international students and J-1 exchange students and scholars.
What are the proposed changes?
-
The current rule (flexible): Right now, most international students (F visas), exchange visitors (J visas), and foreign media (I visas) are allowed to stay in the U.S. for as long as it takes to finish their academic programs or research. This is known as “duration of status.”
-
The new rule (strict time limits): The government wants to replace this flexible system with a fixed time limit. Under the new rule, impacted individuals would generally be allowed to stay for a maximum of four years.
-
Needing more time: If a student or researcher needs more than four years to finish their objectives due to a change in their major, unexpected research delays, etc., they will have to formally apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to extend their stay.
-
Cap on intensive English study: Students primarily studying English as a second language will be capped at 24 months.
-
Prohibition on lateral or reverse matriculation: F-1 visa holders will be prohibited from pursuing a program at the same or lower educational level than one already completed.
-
Shorter grace period: F-1 students are currently allowed a grace period of 60 days following completion of their studies or training to prepare for departure, change status, or file for an extension. The new rule would shorten this period to 30 days.
Why mention a proposed rule now?
While this rule is not yet official, it is moving forward quickly. When it goes into effect after it is entered into the Federal Register, we will notify our community. In the meantime, we want to ensure international students and researchers are prepared for two main reasons:
-
It is close to becoming final: On May 5, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security submitted the final draft of this rule for government review. This is one of the very last steps before a new rule becomes official.
-
It could impact summer travelers: The rule is expected to take effect this summer. If it does, any affected international student or researcher who travels abroad and returns to the U.S. after the effective date will be placed on the new, strict timeline rather than the current, flexible one.
FOR FACULTY: IMPACT OF EXECUTIVE ORDERS AND FEDERAL ACTIONS ON PROMOTION AND TENURE REVIEWS
Faculty Affairs has shared “Updates on Impact of Executive Orders and Federal Actions on Promotion and Tenure Reviews,” with guidelines for the AY 2026 – 27 promotion cycle. We wanted to ensure that all potentially impacted faculty members have reviewed this information.
In summary, modified promotion and tenure protocols for the AY 26 – 27 cycle remain in effect. These protocols address the impact of federal actions—including changes to research funding and DEIA initiatives—on faculty research, teaching, and service. This guidance will be integrated into all levels of the promotion and tenure review process, from department deliberations to the provost’s annual instructions.
RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENT
National Science Foundation (NSF)
On April 24, 2026, the Trump administration fired all 22 members of the National Science Board (NSB), the independent body overseeing the $9 billion National Science Foundation. We actively continue to monitor the impacts of this and many other federal actions on a continuing basis and will update the UMBC community as we learn more about potential impacts of upcoming federal changes.
REMINDERS ABOUT RESOURCES
Federal immigration enforcement cards, published in English and Spanish, are available in offices and divisions across campus, including the Center for Global Engagement and the Mosaic Center. The card and related FAQs are available on our Federal Orders and Actions website.
The Office of General Counsel has provided a guide for supervisors and employees regarding U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) site visits. These visits verify information in employment-based visa petitions (like H-1B) and may involve reviewing documents, inspecting workspaces, or interviewing staff. It is important to note that these are fact-finding visits, not ICE enforcement operations. Please consult the guide for instructions on handling a USCIS visit.
Finally, the Latin Hispanic Faculty Association (LHFA) recently shared requests for additional protocols and guidance related to federal immigration enforcement. The university administration is working with the LHFA to develop additional guidance and resources that will be made available to our community when ready.
We will continue to monitor developments and serve as a resource throughout the summer. We wish every member of the UMBC community a safe, enjoyable, and peaceful summer.
Regards,
The UMBC Federal Orders and Actions Core Team
Valerie Sheares Ashby, President
Manfred H. M. van Dulmen, Provost and Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs
Tanyka M. Barber, Vice President, Institutional Equity and Chief Diversity Officer
Kacey Hammel, Chief of Staff to the President
Renique T. Kersh, Vice President, Student Affairs
Paul A. Meggett, Vice President and General Counsel
D. Paul Monteiro, Vice President, Government Relations and Community Affairs
Karl V. Steiner, Vice President, Research and Creative Achievement
Lisa K. Van Riper, Vice President, University Communications and Marketing
David L. Di Maria, Vice Provost, Global Engagement
Yvette Mozie-Ross ’88, Vice Provost, Enrollment Management and Planning
Ana Oskoz, Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs
]]>
In 2021, Carter Gerhardt was part of the UMBC Baja Racing team. Team members, from left to right are Manny Conrad, Carter Gerhardt, Emilie Shoff, Nick Myers, Michael O’Connor, Peter Stein, Alec Atwell, Zachary Love, and Alex Povodyrev. (Image courtesy of Gerhardt)